Councillor Sarah Quinton

Raised in Bassendean, Sarah spent her first 16 years getting muddy along the banks of the Swan, attending Bassendean Primary School and Governor Stirling High and cutting her teeth in her first job at Bassendean Coles.

Sarah studied journalism at Murdoch University before heading out on a five year adventure around the world, spending large amounts of time mostly in India, Israel and south east Asia.

When she returned to Perth, she landed her first writing post at The Esperance Express newspaper, where she exposed the Esperance lead scandal, which contaminated the Town, and ultimately shut down the mine.

Around that time, Sarah lost her brother to suicide, which revealed to her a severe stigma towards suicide and how our community lacks the supports needed for people experiencing depression and mental health issues.

Using her writing skills, Sarah began reporting on suicide and mental health issues during her time as a journalist at The West Australian newspaper.

This reporting earned her many awards and accolades and caught the attention of WA’s first Minister for Mental Health, who asked Sarah to join her team to promote WA’s first suicide prevention strategy.

Sarah also worked alongside the incredible team at Lifeline to raise awareness of suicide prevention and better services for people experiencing depression.

This is why Sarah is so passionate about establishing a new Integrated Children and Family services Centre in Bassendean, because she believes when we get our kids right, we build resilient adults.

For the past ten years Sarah has built an excellent career working as a journalist and media adviser for politicians, including Greens Senator Scott Ludlam, who worked tirelessly for equality and compassion for all people.

Two years ago, Sarah created her own human, and loves living in Bassendean with her partner Doug and two stepkids.

She is passionate about installing more renewable energy and driving a transition to electric vehicles, protecting and planting more trees and encouraging more nature-based playgrounds for our children.